Ethnic literature Essay

The definition of ethnic literature â€Å"is literature like any other, except that it contains ethnic references. † (Reilly p. 2). Another definition of ethnic literature is when there is a literature work that contain religious beliefs, racial issues, linguistics, or cultural heritage. In another word, ethnic literature is the literary work that includes particular culture, beliefs, or linguistics distinction. Postcolonial literary theory draws attention in the issue of cultural difference emerging in the society. One of the issues which may often appear during the class discussion is hybridity. It seems that people who have been faced by the fact that they are living in a ‘hybrid world’ tend to be confused by their real status. They realize for their interest, but they can not avoid the possibility becoming ‘in between’. Although , they are included into one part, the native part, but on the other hand they can not deny the deep feeling to be pleasant considering themselves different with the other. There is a kind of more value they have compared with their surround, and they think it is worthy to be kept. Of course, this feeling comes into their mind by some reasons. There must be an additional value added into their original culture. The additional value may be in the form of a new ideology, belief or view which are brought by the dominating. The dominated rarely conscious with the impact. They usually only feel that it is a natural process which become the impact of daily social interaction they are engaged in. Another issue which emerges in postcolonial discussion is about dominated-dominating one. We can not expect who actually take the role as ‘dominating’ or ‘dominated’. The practice may turn over, the dominated may become the dominating in the same time toward different object, vice versa. We are also introduced by ‘Otherness’ theory. It makes someone consider that she or he are different from the other, and other people is not the same with her or him. Gadis Tangsi tells a story about a girl life, namely Teyi. She is a Javanese girl who grew up in the Javanese tradition. She lives with his parents and sibling in tangsi area. She was taught to become an obedient girl by her mother with many limitations as a girl. She helps her mother to sell fried bananas every day. Teyi finds herself limited by some rules which are considered as the right rules for her mother. She even does not know how ‘love’ or how to be ‘loved’ by a man. She was taught to be a polite woman. She finally finds who she is when she is introduced to Putri Parasi by Ndara Tuan Kapten Sarjubehi who has helped her. That is the beginning of her new experience to recognize a new world, the world that she has never imagined before. Putri Parasi teaches her everything to be ‘a good lady’. Putri Parasi likes Teyi for her politeness. She more likes Teyi after being saved when her disease comes immediately. Putri Parasi expects to teach her how to behave well. She even teaches Teyi to speak Dutch. Teyi starts to be able to read and write. Putri Parasi really wants to prepare her to be taken to Surakarta Keraton and introduced her to a man who will be married with her. She plans to make Teyi deserve to have a husband from Keraton families. In the novel Gadis Tangsi written by Suparto Brata, we can see some unexpected phenomenon occur. It makes me realize that actually there are still many things covered even by what Javanese people considered as ‘budaya adiluhung’. The word ‘politeness’, ‘hospitality’ and ‘dignity’ which come into people mind when they heard about Javanese culture become blur after they read this novel. Javanese woman who is considered as an obedient woman and become a mercy for whom takes her as a wife may be surprised by what Suparto tells about Teyi and Dumilah. He brings them in this novel as representative of Javanese woman character, in different point of view. However, the story about them, for me, is far from the stereotype of common Javanese women (may be just a few). The feeling of ‘in between’ seem to be experienced by Teyi. She starts to know about how the way the higher status people behave since she meets Putri Parasi. Teyi realizes that her life style is quite different from her, and she is glad when she knows that Putri Parasi does not mind introducing this new culture to her. From this intentional interaction, after she is taught how to behave like ‘putri bangsawan’, Teyi starts to consider she has a chance to be the same with them. Even she lives with her parents, she starts to consider that she is better than them. She has been raised from the lower part. She has more power than the people in the house. The very obvious impact of this teaching actually appears when Teyi has been left by Putri Parasi. After she passed away, Teyi become independent from the influence of Putri Parasi. Although, there are still some traces of her teaching inside Teyi which reflect in the way she behaves. She seems take the dominating position over her husband, Sapardal. Sapardal feeling about his lower position when they have been married becomes the cause of the divorce. Only two days of marriage, and Teyi considers that she has a right to sue divorce, while Sapardal can only keep silent without any comment. In this relationship, Sapardal as a man who actually considered as ‘the dominating’ take the role as ‘the dominated’. He does not feel on the same level with Teyi. He admits that he has no power compared to Teyi. He even has no courage to touch her in their first night of marriage. Here, we can see the role between man and woman has shifted. Brata seems to show us that the role of people in the society is like running on the moving wheel. The dominating and dominated are only a symbol of someone position, which also can be shifted based on where we are standing. Sapardal may fail in maintaining his position as superior in front of Teyi. The cultural change also appears in this novel. Sexual intercourse is not considered as a sacral any longer for almost all the women in this novel. During my reading, I wonder if I read Indonesian culture literary work, especially belong to Javanese one. However, Brata wrote the novel using the Indonesian condition in the past, in the colonial occupation. In this situation, it is not easy to determine which one who still hold the original value since the influence of other ideology come into the life in that simple way. The force of a new ideology input is not directly felt in this novel. The indigenous people enjoy the acculturation between the dominated and the dominating. It also happens in the shifting of the way they see sexual intercourse actually is. What we call as a taboo becomes commonly conducted by the people. Teyi is defined as a free woman, even she has been married and becomes a wife of Sapardal, and she breaks the rule by having intercourse with Ndara Tuan Kapten Sarjubehi. It seems that she wants to take a revenge to Dumilah who is considered had cheated her by having romantic affair with her master. Sapardal can not do anything. He has failed to become a good husband. This thinking is from his own side. When we look at this phenomenon, again, Teyi proves that she has had a power over a man from her own society. She starts to have a right to consider a man like Sapardal is not at the same level with her. However, in my opinion it will not happen if Sapardal never has the way of thinking. Actually, he has thought that she is great and different from the other woman in his environment before they are married. That makes he has no courage to touch her at their first night. It also makes Teyi feels not being regarding or respecting as a wife. She thinks that Sapardal has no desire toward her, and she thinks that it is better to ask divorce. What a short way of thinking! I found that Teyi has put a wrong way of thinking about what Putri Parasi had taught to her. It seems that she does not consider marriage as a sacral relationship any longer. ‘Love’ relationship has been considered as a ‘real’ relationship when we have passion to have sex with our couple. Is that so simple? That is the way Teyi think about love basically. It is shown also when she does not mind to have sex with her ex-master, Ndara Tuan Kapten Sarjubehi, and then she starts to love someone else, Ndara Mas Kus. There is no any guilty feeling. Finally, we can conclude that there are three aspect of postcolonial reading for Gadis Tangsi has been discussed above. First, hybridity appears when Teyi finds herself has involved and being a part of Putri Parasi’s society, Keraton environment since she has been able to behave and speak like her, so she considers that she is a part of Putri community. While she has that feeling, she still can not avoid other people consideration about her who is only becoming a servant and will not become like them. Second, dominating feeling toward Sapardal comes into her mind. There is dominating-dominated in shifting model between them. It seems a denial for a man who usually considered as the dominating one, while Teyi proves that it can be shifted. Last, ‘Otherness’ theory also emerges in this novel. After having taught to have attitude and behave like Putri Parasi model, Teyi finally considers herself different with other woman in her society. It appears in the way she treats Dumilah who is her old friend. She thinks that Dumilah has no right to become ‘a munci’ of Ndara Tuan Kapten Sarjubehi because she is not at the same level with her or Ndara. Reference Ashcroft, Bill, et. al. 1946. The Empire Writes Back. London : Routledge Barry, Peter. 1824. Beginning Theory. Manchester : Manchester University Press Brata, Suparto. 2004. Gadis Tangsi. Jakarta : Kompas Reilly, John. 1978. Critical Approaches to Ethnic Literature. London : Oxford University Press

Turning Points in History

A turning point is a point at which a significant change occurs that can have serious effects on the world. There are negative turning points, which effect the world in a negative way, and there are positive one's where beneficial things will come out of the change. Many turning points have occurred during history. Two examples of turning points in history are the bubonic plague in Europe and northern Africa where many died of a fatal disease, and Humanism that occurred in Europe where people valued the individual needs of the person over traditional authority. Both of these events were times of great change and effected the world on a large scale. The Black Death, also known as the Black Plague or the Bubonic Plague killed one third of the population of Europe during its reign in the 13th and 14th centuries. The arrival of this plague set the scene for years of strife and heroism. Leaving the social and economic aspect in a standstill. The phantom of death became a subject of art, music and folklore and it influenced the consciousness of the people. The impact of this mass killer caused enormous chaos and havoc to the medieval society because of its unknown origin, the unknown causes and prevention†s, its deathly symptoms and its breakdown of orderly life. As a result religion was greatly affected and changed. This event can be known as a turning point because it effected the people of the world by killing off a massive number of people during the 13 and 14th centuries. The black or bubonic plague can also be known as a turning point because it helped bring about physicians. Most explanations about the plague were based on folklore, superstition, and rumor. Blame was frequently placed on travelers and other suspicious outsiders but after careful study people now truly understood that the plague was natural and caused by such things as an infected flea and not supernatural occurrences. Now that people learned that disease and sickness can be cured only by medical means and not by supernatural occurrences, the medical industry grew and people could now be cured if they were sick. Another turning point in history is humanism during the Renaissance, which is a way of life centered on human interests or values. Humanism is a time that rejected supernaturalism and stressed an individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason. Humanism helped make people think for themselves and helped bring out people's differences. Humanism is or is one of the most important turning points in history. During humanism people sought better lives and sought to expand their education to understand why things happened the way they did. The Renaissance was an incredibly important turning point in Western Intellectual and Cultural Tradition. The major political changes of the Renaissance were from the old Feudal System of the Middle Ages into a more flexible and liberal class system. The great changes in Education of the Renaissance were inspired at first, by the desire of Humanists to be wise and to speak eloquently. The idea of useful education for people was part of the new defined goals of Renaissance education. People began seriously questioning what philosophers said and re-developed the Scientific Theory, in which one didn't just accept whatever was said, but tested the truth of it. Due to advanced technology artists could also now take advantage of new techniques, such as oil painting to enhance the quality of their works. It is shown the Renaissance was to great extent a major turning point in history from the Middle Ages in just about every element of the Society. The Renaissance has become the original roots of culture from the West. This was the time when people questioned the past, and decided to go back to school. In conclusion, It is shown that both of these events described are turning points and were very significant back when they occurred and now. Although many important events do occur in history, turning points don't occur all that often, and when they do they impact the world on a large scale. It has also been shown that a turning point can have positive and negative effects on history. As seen in the bubonic plague. Although many died terrible deaths the medical industry greatly expanded and now doctors were able to cure diseases. It is also shown that humanism taught people to think for themselves and question traditional authority. It also motivated the individual to learn, and become more educated. Both of these events have changed the modern and ancient world drastically.

How do organizations foster innovation Research Paper

How do organizations foster innovation - Research Paper Example According to the research findings the need for innovation in an organization is paramount and universal if the organization is to be successful. For organization’s customers and members to keep coming back over and over again, they must have the feeling that there will be a chance to see and do something different or new each time. As institutions evolve and the world keeping on changing, an organization needs to change its products and programs so as to be able to reach new markets to achieve the organizations missions. This calls for an environment that fosters innovation. There are three different variables that have been identified as the stimulus of innovation in an organization. These are the organization structure, human resource practices and organization culture. Yao et al notes that innovative organization are defined mostly by decentralized decision making, few hierarchal distinctions and lateral communication networks. In this case, he noted that information flow must be open and persuasive with a relatively flat organizational structure. For innovation to thrive in an organization, Yao et al suggest that organizations must be structured in a manner that is reflective about their practices by making an attempt to learn from their mistakes. This is because these organizations are capable of incorporating different points of view in an organization which is a factor that enables innovation to thrive. In this case, a rigid organizational structure neither recognizes nor implements innovation. ... In this case, he noted that information flow must be open and persuasive with a relatively flat organizational structure. For innovation to thrive in an organization, Yao et al (2006) suggest that organizations must be structured in a manner that is reflective about their practices by making an attempt to learn from their mistakes (France, 2011). This is because these organizations are capable of incorporating different points of view in an organization which is a factor that enables innovation to thrive. In this case, a rigid organizational structure neither recognizes nor implements innovation. Yao et al (20006) notes that many organizations foster innovation by ensuring that there are a well-developed formal practices within the organization that tap into informal activities. He notes that connecting informal and formal practices within an organization creates an environment for innovation which allows for its adoption and implementation. The connecting practices identified by Yao at al (2006) include promoting communication, socializing and creativity in the formal systems and creating a path that brings the best that emerges in the informal system into the informal system for implementation and development. Allowing employees free time to think is very crucial as it fosters creativity. Yao et al. (2006) notes that 3M usually allows its researchers to spend fifteen minutes of their research time working on whatever pleases them. On the other hand, Tech staff were noted to old informal brown bag launches to share what they have leaned after returning from their visit to science centers. Innovation involves interaction of different people

How Errors in Care Affect Healthcare Organizations Research Paper

How Errors in Care Affect Healthcare Organizations - Research Paper Example Healthcare organizations spend much money in defending themselves against the accusation placed on them by clients. It has a profound effect on the quality of care given to patients since they have to concentrate on the cases and to defend themselves from the accusations. Hence, it lowers the productivity of healthcare organizations. Errors may lead to the introduction of draconian laws that affect the provision of healthcare services to the public. For instance, the case of Darling v. Charleston Community Memorial Hospital led to the abolition of charitable immunity for hospitals in Illinois (Wiet, 2005). It also resulted in the elimination of "Hotel Defense" for hospitals to imply that hospitals treated patients, and they take liability for their medical staffs and nurses (Wiet, 2005). Moreover, the case created a personal liability exposure by defining the duties of directors, managers, and medical personnel (Wiet, 2005). Through this, the healthcare organizations may be afraid to conduct some treatments due to liability. This has adverse impacts on the provision of healthcare since the number of providers will reduce because of fear. Many studies conducted estimate that medical errors cost health care providers as well as nations with large sums amounting to over $ trillion (Andel, Davidow, Hollander & Moreno, 2012). Similarly, some of the preventable errors have an enormous impact and amount to over $ 17 billion yearly (Andel, Davidow, Hollander & Moreno, 2012). High economic losses are because of the errors that physicians make, and some of them are preventable. Because of all these, it is hard for healthcare organizations to progress since some of the cases taken to court prolong leading to loss of labor hours. In conclusion, the errors committed by health agencies have affected the institutions primarily. The case of Darling v. Charleston Community Memorial Hospital has transformed health institutions in terms of liability jurisprudence, and the trend will continue. Besides the adverse impacts associated with these cases, they also offer improvement in the delivery of healthcare services in the Republic, hence helping healthcare consumers. Â   Â   Â  

Production of tpa using eukaryotic n prokaryotic cells Essay

Production of tpa using eukaryotic n prokaryotic cells - Essay Example coli (prokaryotic). This is because of the high cost of the purification scheme required on the tPA produced from E. coli. That from the mammalian cells does not require lots of purifications because the cell environment and content is similar to that of the body cells (in vitro). tPA produced in E. coli required more purification to acquire the required state because it is composed of many components that are naturally not found with tPA in vitro conditions. The contents produced together with tPA in mammalian cells are similar to those in vitro hence are not foreign materials resulting to a less purification process. The E. coli based production process utilizes approximately sixteen purification steps (downstream) as compared to the five purification steps in CHO. Since the purification process in mammalian cells is not that complex less operating labour and supervision is required compared to the E. coli based. The CHO process utilizes nine percent of its total cost on operating labour while E. coli based utilizes twenty two percent. Also, the cost of acquiring the different purification units required for the many purification stages is higher in the E. coli based. Mammalian based process utilizes only twenty five percent of the total production cost on recovery (purification) compare to eighty eight percent on E. coli based. For the solubilization and renaturation step in the E. coli based production, approximately five tonnes of urea and twenty-six tonnes of guanidine are required. The bacteria lack efficient secretion mechanisms for tPA, therefore, the proteins are deposited as inclusion bodies. For the recovery of the proteins, a renaturation procedure is required. Since the proteins in the bacteria are produced in low concentrations (about 2.4 mg per litre) the practicability of a renaturation based production process is limited. The E. coli based production does yield to larger quantities of products that

Operations Process and Projects, Assignment Questions Essay

Operations Process and Projects, Assignment Questions - Essay Example Nersesian (2002) defined operations management as the design, operation, and improvement of the system that create and delivers firms' products and service combinations. Moreover, it deals with the proper allocation of resources and the strategic acquisition of technology. Some managers contend that the external environment is too influential to be ignored. Therefore, operations management also includes the proper consideration of the outside entities as contributing agent that will eventually affect the performance of the firm. The external environment consists of the customers and other economic indicators that contribute to the success and failure of firms. The analysis of operations management is critical in the success of firms. Some practitioners have instituted organisations that specifically tackle issues concerning operations management. In the next discussion, manner in which IFS renovated its operations will be illustrated. It is interesting to examine the approaches used by IFS to address the current operational predicaments. Moreover, it is important to equate other processes that were excluded from the methods used by the company. IFS Limited is a manufacturing company primarily providing supplies for retail and other purposes. Although the company has continued to exist with relative success, recent setbacks have made the company revisit its operational procedures. In particular, clients have cited the lack of quality delivery provided by IFS. The specific complaints of the customers involve the failure to satisfy the delivery requirements in quantity. In addition, some clients have pointed that the company has failed to provide prior notices for failed orders. Furthermore, deliveries that were completed exceeded the agreed time causing delays in displaying the goods in retail outlets. It is indeed imperative to create a supply chain that allows more flexibility and eliminate the problems as identified by the consumers. Initially, the plan was to implement Agile Operations Initiative that secure top notch supply chain and will limit tendencies of tardiness in deliveries. The project has adapted advanced technologies and focused on communication as its core attribute. In addition, information is being updated to determine changes in trends especially in designing quality supply chain. Definitely, the process will require several changes and an evaluation of the current system used by the company which determined as problematic. The process involves the entire organisation and the attributes that combine with the entities. Developing the supply chain requires the similar methods used in project planning. Stages such as conception, development, implementation, and termination are important points to be considered. The company needs to specifically create a system that will integrate the positive attributes of the company and the operational procedures that provide positive short-term and long-term outcomes. Project Evaluation The extent of scope covered by the project is creatively established in the project. Forecasting is an effective mechanism and allows the strategist to determine trends in customer demands. The predictions based on previous orders will enable the company to design supply chain that is flexible and becomes highly responsive in periods when the demand is high. After the forecasts have

Job Satisfaction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Job Satisfaction - Essay Example (1) Job satisfaction of the employees, and retaining them has become a growing concern in business organizations with the need to be more competitive, as a result of the growing globalization being witnessed. This stems from the belief that satisfied employees tend to be more productive, creative, and committed to the organization. There is evidence from the field of healthcare that job satisfaction among employees tend to make the healthcare organization more competitive in a market noted for its high rate of competitiveness. This competitiveness is through the improvement in quality and cost-effectiveness of satisfied employees. (2) Any discussion on job satisfaction needs to take into consideration the positive and negative factors of job satisfaction. According to Hezberg et al 1959, the positive factors known as motivators are achievement, recognition, the job responsibilities itself, and advancement opportunities. Negative factors known as hygiene factors include supervisors, fellow workers, company policy, workplace environment, and personal life. These findings of Hezberg et al were supported by studies conducted at the workplace, where workers were asked to present their perspectives of critical incidents that had occurred, but this remained the only manner in which the theory was supported. Wall et al in 1971, on the basis of confidentially collected data from workers, found that ego-defensive processes were responsible for the findings of Hezberg et al. These processes led to good events being the result of one’s own achievements, and bad events the due to the failings as a result of others. Thi s led to the general discarding of the Hezberg et al theory. However a subsequent study conducted in 1971, and as reported by Argyle, found relevance in the theory of Hezberg et al. This research on joy in workers found that while achievement was important, relationships

Resolving Shyness in Children to Enhance Performances Research Paper

Resolving Shyness in Children to Enhance Performances - Research Paper Example Teaching and interacting with children from different grades in the primary level, I have often identified persistent shyness among children in classrooms and playgrounds, which have been problems that tend to affect their general performances. Specific children demonstrate low confidence when expressing themselves, are less talkative, or even withdrawn. Some are extra self-conscious, self-reliant, nervous, or tend to take longer periods adjusting to new situations (where the rest already easily embrace). While shyness apparently appears to be a normal and temporal behaviour at a specific stage during development, its persistence and interference with children performances (class/playground interaction, inactivity, communication etc) is a challenge and problem in their development and education. Looking into their behaviour and struggle, without appropriate measures to assist the children overcome the shyness, it would end up obstructing their academic performances. I am convinced th at if I get to understand the root causes of their shyness, I could develop suitable strategies to overcome their shyness and enable them to be more comfortable and confident to improve their affected performance areas in learning. Shyness is a common behaviour among children. However, teachers need not ignore persistent shy behaviours among their students, because it may generate certain negative effects in their learning process. Shyness is a simple word used to when describing a person with its’ behavioural traits.

Breast Feeding and Childhood Obesity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Breast Feeding and Childhood Obesity - Essay Example It has been estimated that 80% overweight adolescents continue to be obese in adulthood (Noller and Paulk, 2005). Added to these problems, childhood obesity imposes huge health care costs on the nation (The Role of Media in Childhood Obesity, 2004). Childhood obesity and overweight also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood (Eisenmann, Bartee and Wang2002). Obesity usually begins at 5-6 years of age and then during adolescence. There are reports that obesity between 10- 13 years of age is likely to advance to adult obesity (AACAP, 2008). Thus, measures to prevent childhood obesity become very essential to decrease mortality and morbidity in adulthood. One such measure is breast feeding. Research has shown that breast feeding has several benefits both to the mother and baby. One such benefit is protective effect of childhood obesity. In this study, the protective effect of breast feeding during infancy on the development of obesity in childhood will be evaluated and ascertained. The observations made by the researcher during clinical practice and field visit placements have inspired him to conduct this research. Childhood obesity is a challenge to the society and the physicians. It leads to adult obesity and is associated with mortality and morbidity. This aspect inspired the author to conduct research. As Burns and Grove (1997) stated, clinical experience frequently gives rise to the identification of a research topic and expands scope for reflection. Reflective practice is essential to clinical practice and provides a retrospective look at current practice and questions the reason for doing so. Thus, it is because of reflection that the author was able to raise questions which prompted to this research study. Literature review Several studies have been conducted in the past to ascertain the impact of breast feeding in early years of life on the development of obesity later in life. According to a study conducted by von Kries, Koletzo, Sauerwald et al (1999), there exists a clear dose-response relationship between the duration of breast feeding on the prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight. According to the study, breast feeding has a protective effect on the development of obesity and overweight. In their study, the prevalence was "3.8% for 2 months of exclusive breast feeding, 2.3% for 3-5 months, 1.7% for 6-12 months, and 0.8% for more than 12 months" for obesity and overweight. The authors concluded that prolonged breast feeding is a useful preventive measure for the development of childhood obesity and overweight and that such a measure will decrease the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and other morbidity and mortality associated with obesity. According to a systematic review conducted b y Arenz, Ruckerl, Koletzko et al (2004), breast feeding h

The impact of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources on Our Research Paper

The impact of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources on Our Earth... How does each one help or hinder our future - Research Paper Example However, energy can be classified into two main groups such as renewable as well as non-renewable energy (The National Academics Press, 2012). Renewable energy can be defined as the energy that is mainly created out of the natural sources such as sun, wind, rain, tides and can be reproduced as per the requirements. They are generally available in abundance and can be availed as and when needed. Renewable sources of energy are the cleanest sources of energy. Renewable energy sources are the sources that generally comprise wind power, geothermal energy, ocean energy, fuel wood, tar sands and oil share among others (The National Academics Press, 2012). On the other hand, the non-renewable sources of energy can be defined as the energy that has been prepared from those sources that are most likely to extinct fifty-sixty years from now. Owing to the fact that the non-renewable sources of energy are not environmental friendly, it is most likely to have an impact upon the health of an indiv idual. The main reason behind their name to be regarded as non-renewable is that they cannot be re-created within a short span of time. Non-renewable sources tend to prevail in the form of fossil fuels, oil, natural gas as well as coal (The National Academics Press, 2012). The study intends to identify the impacts of renewable and non-renewable sources of energy upon the earth. ... It can be stated that wind energy has become cost competitive with traditional energies in leading countries. Among all the renewable sources energy, it can be mentioned that the geothermal energy is practically infinite in nature in the long-term and it is also considered to be an abundant resource in the developing countries (The National Academics Press, 2012). Solar energy does not lead to air pollution when it is operated. The primary environmental and safety issues related to solar energy comprise the way they are created, installed and disposed of. There is a need of energy to create and hence install solar components. The fossil fuels used for this purpose can lead to emission of harmful gases thereby polluting the environment. Hence, one of the significant questions is related to the amount of fossil energy input needed for solar system in comparison to the fossil energy consumed by traditional energy systems. This generally alters based upon the technology and climate and t he remaining energy can be effectively utilized to solar systems in applications where they are generally cost effective and hence enhance with the improvement of technology. The materials that are utilized in a few of the solar systems can lead to health and safety issues for a person who comes into contact with them. The production of the photovoltaic cells needs hazardous materials such as arsenic as well as cadmium. Silicon which is a chief substance that is utilized in solar cells can prove to be detrimental to the workers if they inhale it with dust (The National Academics Press, 2012). Geothermal energy tends to produce heat that can be found beneath the surface of the earth. One of the widely developed geothermal energy has been

FIN 370 Week 3 Learning Team Assignment Essay Example for Free

FIN 370 Week 3 Learning Team Assignment Essay Learning Team: Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis This paper will give a short history and descriptions of Apple’s I Pad minicomputer. It will also give factors that affect demand, supply, and equilibrium prices in the market. Issues that Apple faces that affect its competitiveness will also be addressed. Lastly, this paper will identify the long term profitability of the iPad including, price elasticity of demand, technological innovation, and cost structure. Steven Jobs and Steven Wozniak were friends in high school, which shared like interested in electronics. They designed what would become the Apple and on April 1, 1976, Apple Computer was born. This is an American based company located in California. Apple specializes in design advancing, and the sales electronics, computer software, and computers. Apple is accredited for some of the most popular products of the modern world of technology such as: iPod, iPhone, iPad, and iTunes. Apple has expanded its retail stores to fourteen countries worldwide with 408 retail store not to mention their online stores, Apple Store and iTunes. Apple’s value as of March 2013 is $415 million, and it is the largest most publicly traded companies. The iPad is a tablet designed minicomputer that was released in 2010 by Apple. This device has equipped with Wi-Fi and has a multi- touch screen. There are five different versions of this particular tablet. Each has the capability to play music, record videos, a camera function, browsing the web, e-mailing. Games, GPS navigation system, and social networking can also be downloaded to the device. A market is as a collection of consumers and retailers of a specific merchandise or service. Demand is the actual volume that consumers are prepared and able to obtain. Quantity necessitated is the demand at a specific amount and is symbolized as the demand curve. The supply of a product is the quantity that manufacturers are prepared an d capable to convey to the market the sale of  the product. The market can be analyzed by matching the supply and demand curve. Equilibrium is the connection of supply and demand curves. The equilibrium amount is the amount where the number demanded matches the number supplied. A change in price does not necessarily mean that the demand will change. It is more likely for the quantity demanded will affect the price. If the price is changed the curve will move along the demand curve. When the price is reduced the quantity demand will be increased. When the IPad was released, it was the only product in that market at that time. Therefore, at that time it absolutely controlled the tablet division. Some corporations tried to contend with Apple, but recognized their position just could not compete. The competition combated Apple by creating smaller tablet that is an unfamiliar place for Apple. This creation worked and caused Apple to lose sales. The competitors rapidly established their place in the market. Price elasticity of demand is an issue th at our organization, Apple faces that affects our competitiveness and long-term profitability with regards to the iPad. â€Å"Price elasticity of demand and supply tells us exactly how quantity responds to a change in price. As elasticity increases, quantity responds more to price changes. Demand or supply is elastic, if the percentage change in quantity is greater than the percentage change in price†(University Of Phoenix, 2010, pp. 154-157). After reviewing data, specifically targeted to the three types of iPads; their pricing, capabilities and memory storage, it was determined that if the price of the iPads increased; then the consumers may not purchase them (What Is An Apple Ipad’s Elasticity Of Demand?, 2012). The price elasticity of demand tells us that although apple is very technological innovative, but as it relates to price elasticity of demand; the quantity does not matter (all the changes, modifications, additions, advancements, etc.) consumers will still purchase the cheaper iPad (cost efficient) Apple should not invest in making more iPads. Consumer(s) can’t readily identify / understand the importance /significance of having more capabilities, memory, storage, etc. The consumer(s) would ultimately shop for and purchase the iPad that’s more conducive to their needs. Although apple has is very technological innovative, but as it relates to price elasticity of demand; the quantity does not matter (all the changes, modifications, additions, advancements, etc.) consumers will still purchase the cheaper iPad (cost efficient)  Technological innovation is an opportunity for our organization, (Apple) to face that affects our competitiveness and long-term profitability with regards to the iPad. Through technological innovation our organization will be able to make improvements to something that already exists; such as the Apple iPad. Is the improvement to something that already exists. Technological innovation will always have a huge impact on Apple Corporation. As it directly relates to the iPad, with the technological innovation, we are able to re-invest and re-invent the iPad. As with any product of this magnitude, the cost will increase, more features will be added, more storage, more variability, etc. As long as we are innovative and have a willingness to be creative we will consistently bring new items to the market that will steady intrigue the consumers and adapts to their technological needs. â€Å"Cost Structure (TC = FC + VC) is the costs of production, the identification of how costs associated with the production of a good or service are distributed throughout the process The cost structure consists of fixed costs, variable costs and total cost â€Å" (University Of Phoenix, 2010, pp. 283-285). According to Internal Factors: Costs (n.d.), When analyzing cost, the marketer will consider all costs needed to get the product to market including those associated with production, marketing, distribution and company administration (e.g., office expense). These costs can be divided into two main categories: fixed costs and variable costs†. Fixed costs are costs that are spent and cannot be recovered (rent, credit interest, maintenance costs, security and administrative expenses, often salary). The major factors affecting fixed costs are (1) Changes in business organization, (2) Changes in technology applied, (3) Sale of manufacturing equipment and (3) Decisions to undertake advertising activities, etc. Variable costs are costs that vary with production. Factors affecting variable costs, including productivity and others that change the supply of and demand for labor (internal factors), (1) Involve costs of items that are either components of the product (parts/packaging), (2) Directly associated with creating the product (electricity to run an assembly line), (3) Coupons and (4) Variable costs, especially for tangible products tend to decline as more units are produced. This is due to the producing company’s ability to pu rchase product components for lower prices since component suppliers often provide  discounted pricing for large quantity purchases (). Total cost the sum of all costs of inputs used by a firm in production TC = FC + VC Apple is one of the world’s most admired brands. Every year, as rumors about Apple’s products start to emerge web sites begin to speculate which suppliers are likely to win Apple’s business. Getting a contract from Apple can lift a company’s value by millions of dollars. On October 22 Apple released a variety of new hardware and software. Apple’s new iPad is clearly focusing on improving the iPad product profit margin, while also maintaining it strong market share. One of the ways Apple can maximize their profit is by reducing the price of the original iPad mini. Another recommendation that can maximize the profit for Apple is to also make radical improvements to the full-size iPad and the mini. Apple has four products in the iPad lineup. While Apple decided to keep the price of the iPad 2 at $399 Apple dropped the price of the IPad mini to $299. The newest iPad, the new full-size iPad Air is thinner and lighter than the previous full-size iPads and much more powerful. The new iPad Air will sell at $499, while the second new iPad tablet the iPad mini with Retina display will sale for $399. By Apple dropping the price on the iPad mini this move should help A pple maintain market share with it strong competition. Strong competitors like Google and Amazon have recently dropped the prices on their popular tablets. Android tablets such as Google and the Kindle Fire have been gaining on Apple over the past year with the lower prices and higher performance. The Kindle Fire HD sold for $139, this alone affected Apple’s revenue. The price decrease put Apple’s base iPad mini closer to the price of Google and Amazon’s top of the line tablets. Apple chose to drop the price of the original iPad mini tablets to maximize their profits with the competition. Overall by dropping the price, this will draw more individuals to the Apple iPad mini and increase Apple’s marginal revenues and profitability. This will keep Apple’s market share in competition with Google and Amazon without sacrificing too much profitability. Although, there are several competitors in this market; such as The Kindle Fire, The Windows Tablet, Galaxy Table, etc. none are able to uphold the standards that the iPad will carry. With all of our advancements in technology, research, investments, etc. we continue to be in high demand. If our corporation continues to be technological innovative and productive; then we will continue to grow and  c onsistently re-invent. We will be more profitable, growing and will remain cost efficient; when it comes to manufacturing and producing the iPad. Based on the current market conditions, our competitive market analysis concluded that the Apple iPad will be an extremely productive and very successful. References: Duhigg, C., Barboza, D. (2012, January 25). In, China, Human Cost Are Built Into an IPad, p. The iEconomy. Internal Factors: Costs . (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.knowthis.com/pricing-decisions/internal- factors-costs Reisinger, D. (2013, October 22). IPad 2 Survives iPad Air, Still cost $399. CNET, p. . University Of Phoenix. (2010). Economics, Eight Edition. Retrieved from University Of Phoenix, ECO365 website. What is an Apple iPad’s Elasticity of Demand?. (2012). Retrieved from http://applecoeconomics.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/what-is-an-apple-ipads-elasticity-of-demand-9/

Is Nakumatt Operating As A Monopoly Economics Essay

Is Nakumatt Operating As A Monopoly Economics Essay Introduction Here in Kenya, all big cities and many of the smaller towns have at least one supermarket. The quality (of goods and services) is usually quite high. When we enter a supermarket, we find Kenyan and other regional brands as well as many Western and International. A  supermarket  is a  store  that sells a wide variety of goods including  food  and  alcohol, medicine,  clothes, and other household products that are consumed regularly  [1]  .  The stores are usually part of corporate  chains  that own or control other supermarkets located nearby or even transnationally thus increasing opportunities for  economies of scale  [2]  ( this is the decrease in cost of production that occur as a firm increases all its output by increasing all its inputs. Economies of scales explain the downward sloping porting of the long run average total cost curve: as output increases, and the firm increases its size by all inputs, as the average cost or cost per unit, falls). The supermarket typically comprises  meat, fresh  produce,  dairy, and baked goods departments, along with shelf space reserved for  canned  and packaged goods as well as for various non-food items such as household cleaners,  pharmacy  products and  pet  supplies. Most supermarkets also sell a variety of other household products that are consumed regularly, such as alcohol  (where permitted),  medicine, and  clothes, and some stores sell a much wider range of non-food products  [3]  . In Kenya, the supermarket industry has grown from a tiny inch at the start of the 1990s to 20% of the urban food retail sector in 2003. Furthermore, Kenyan supermarket chains are increasingly sourcing from global markets and have started to expand their store network in the wider East Africa region (Kigali, Rwanda)  [4]  . With 18 big stores, Nakumatt is the biggest supermarket chain in Kenya. Its main competitor Uchumi used to be big too, but it had to close due to financial difficulties. Meanwhile it has reopened 14 shops again in major cities. In the Kenyan supermarket industry we also find Chandarana ltd and Tuskys. Nakumatt and Uchumi are two Kenyan supermarkets which not only have branches in Kenya but also in other parts of east Africa. Hence my interest and therefore my research question is: Is Nakumatt Ltd operating as a Monopoly in my residential area? I live at 500m from the YAYA Center; at my location, I am surrounded with 6 big branches of the main supermarkets in Kenya. The 6 supermarkets that you will find in this area are: on Ngong Road: Nakumatt Prestige, Uchumi hyper Ngong road, Tuskys Adams, Uchumi Adams, and Nakumatt Junction, in the YAYA Center: Chandarana Ltd. I have always been wondering how these supermarkets do to survive together and especially Nakumatt and Uchumi, why do they have to different branches in the same area. The purpose of this extended essay is to find out by using data collection and after an interview with the branch managers of all these supermarkets answering to the question: whether or not Nakumatt is operating as a monopoly in the supermarket industry in my residential area? Researching for this essay will enable me to understand or have an idea of how these supermarkets can cohabit-ate together in the same area. Methodology of data collection To answer this essay question, which is to know if Nakumatt ltd is operating as a monopoly on the consumers who live is the same residential area as me. To be able to pursue this survey, I used the most common research method which is to hand out a number of questionnaires to people that I know and others living in a range of 1km from me. I will use primary sources. First I will be giving out 50 questionnaires to people living in my compound and in the surrounding areas. With all the answers, I will be able to find out which one of the supermarkets located near where I stay is more popular, is averagely earning more and their pick hours. It will also help me to know how often people usually frequent these supermarkets, how much do they spend and how long do they stay in there depending on the time. The fact that I am giving out the questionnaires, I not to show that I did some research but to see (hear) what the public(customers) have to say about the supermarkets because their opini on counts as equal as or even greater than the one from the owners of these supermarkets because we are all humans and it is expected for the managers to be bias about their supermarkets. The second method I will use is the face to face interview with the branch managers of these supermarkets which is also very important but more significant because it will help me to have real data statistics on the population that frequents them daily, weekly monthly and annually. And also it will help me to know their strategy and plans on the market to be able to understand the structure in which they are operating on whether it is a monopoly or an oligopoly market. This method will be the hardest because having the chance to have a meeting with these managers when you are not a businessman who can contribute in the well-being of the company can be a hustle( very complex task); these people are very busy men and have very many things to do on their agenda. I will also use a secondary source: The Internet. With the internet, I will be able to have supplementary information and have a greater number of sources. Related information Market Structures A market structure describes characteristics of a market organization that determine the behavior of firms within an industry. There are four types of market structures identified by economists: Perfect competition ( also known as pure competition) Monopoly Monopolistic competition (also known as imperfect competition) Oligopoly A market structure can be defined on the basis of four main characteristics: The number of firms in the industry. The ability of the firm to control the price at which the good is sold in the market. The types of product, in particular how similar or different are the goods or services produced by firms in the industry. how easy is it for new firms to enter the industry and begin producing, which depends on the degree to which there are barriers to entry in the industry; barriers to entry include anything that can prevent a firm from entering and beginning production  [5]   Perfect competition This is a purely theoretical type of market. It has a very high level of competition and has the following characteristics: there are an infinite number of buyers and sellers, all the firms produce the same identical product (homogeneous) without any differentiation (branding). There is perfect information and no trade secret which allows the consumers and the other producers to know what is happening in the market at any time, there is no intervention of any government in the way the market interacts. Monopoly A monopoly is a market structure in which we only have one firm in the industry and the firm is the industry. A monopoly operates with the following characteristics: the barriers to preventing new firm form entering the industry are very high; the firm is the price maker which means that output will depend on the price set by the firm; the monopolist is a short run profit maximizer. In facts, we have two types of monopolies: natural monopoly and pure monopoly. A natural monopoly exists when there is great scope for economies of scale to be exploited over a very large range of output. Indeed the scale of production that achieves productive efficiency may be a high percentage of the total market demand for the product in the industry  [6]  . A pure Monopoly exists when a single firm is the sole producer of a product for which there are no close substitutes  [7]  . An Actual Monopoly is when the firm has more than 25% of the market shares  [8]  . Monopolistic Monopolistic competition  is a form of  imperfect competition  where many competing producers sell products that are  differentiated  from one another (that is, the products are  substitutes, but, with differences such as branding, are not exactly alike). In monopolistic competition firms can behave like  monopolies in the  short-run, including using market power to generate profit. In the  long-run, other firms enter the market and the benefits of differentiation decrease with competition; the market becomes more like  perfect competition  where firms cannot gain economic profit. Monopolistic competitive markets have the following characteristics: We have a large but not infinite number of producers and a greater number of consumers. And due to their relatively small size, there is not a single firm that has total control over the market price. But the producers have only a degree of control over price. Consumers perceive that there are no differences in price between the competitors branded products. The barriers to entry and exit are very few (not to say that they practically do not exist). The costs for the firm are very low, which makes it easy for new arrivals to enter the industry or others to leave. Oligopoly An Oligopoly is a market structure where we have a few firms who dominate the market, these firms might be producing similar products, but the products can be differentiated (branded). Supply in the industry must be concentrated in the hands of relatively few firms and dominating firms are independent. Barriers to entry are present especially due to collusion and economies of scale; and prices are likely to be rigid as firms use non-price competition. Firms can make abnormal profit in the long run though they may not be very high  [9]  . When firms decide to collude, they start charging at the same price, and also having a monopoly power and acting as one monopoly. Any monopoly profit made is divided up among the firms taking part of the collusion. Background information To carry out this investigation, and base our theory on our findings, we must know about the past of these supermarkets: because it is very important to know how their started, who owns them (government, cooperation or family), their real market shares, how many branches have they managed to open so far. Nakumatt Nakumatt was established in 1987 as the brainchild of the late retail guru Mr Maganlal Shah who founded Nakuru Mattresses before passing the mantle to Mr Atul Shah, the current managing Director. The supermarket chain was founded as a ten square foot emporium which has grown to cover a selling space of more than one million square feet, with the head office and distribution center occupying some 140,000 square feet of storage and office space. The payoff line You need it, weve got it! indicates Nakumatts commitment to providing the largest variety and highest quality of local and international brands at reasonable and uniform prices. The Nakumatt Smart Card is a loyalty program started in 2003 that enables customers to accumulate smart points with their purchases. On accumulation a certain amount of points, clients can claim smart rewards and prizes. Smart Card shoppers also enjoy discounts with service providers, random surprises on birthdays, off-peak time double points and redempt ion points for purchases. The retail chain has grand plans for the future. These include: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Increasing the range of goods available to Kenyan consumers at affordable rates. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Improving the local economy by employing more Kenyans. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Delivering expected financial results by providing quality, variety, exceptional, service and enhanced lifestyles. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Increasing investments in training and development of staff to ensure performance and job satisfaction. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Developing an integrated nationwide Network. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Increasing turnover to KSh 20 billion (285.7 million US dollars). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Expanding to the sub-continent. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Listing on the Nairobi Stock Exchange. Source: http://www.superbrandseastafrica.com/assets/Featured-Brands/PDFs/129-nakumatt.pdf Tuskys Tuskys, is said to be the second largest retailer in the country with more than eighteen stores all over the country, operates supermarkets and has been able to seal any gaps left by Nakumatt. The retailer recently rebranded from Tusker Mattresses to Tuskys, a sign of the companys transformation from a family business to a corporate entity. Due to popular demand and the lack of land available in the capital for large sized stores, Tuskys has been forced to relocate some of its stores in Nairobi and the retailer is currently expanding its network into suburban districts such as Thika, Athiriver and Rongai. Tuskys latest store has also opened further afield in the lakeside city of Kisumu in the west of  Kenya, close to the Ugandan border.  [10]   Tuskys is the first supermarket in the whole of Kenya to introduce the use of the fidelity smart card. This is a loyalty card which gives a 1Ksh voucher to the card holder for every 100Ksh purchase this voucher can be used to buy any items at any times just buy presenting your identification. Uchumi Uchumi  is a  Kenyan  supermarket chain  which was founded in 1975 and which was listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange in 1992.The name  Uchumi  means economy in  Swahili, the Kenyan National language. Uchumi operates 4 hyper-stores, 8 supermarkets and 2 convenience stores, and employs more than 1,000 people. Uchumi has stores in the major towns of  Nairobi, Karatina,  Eldoret  and  Meru  [11]  . Whilst Nakumatt and Tuskys are playing a leading role in  Kenyas burgeoning retail market, Uchumi Supermarkets, currently positioned in fourth place in  Kenya, has had a history of financial problems. The companys problems have derived from general mismanagement and corruption issues, and Uchumi was expected to either die a natural death or be sold to another retailer when its former managing director, John Smith, announced its closure in June 2006  [12]  . Uchumi closed down, albeit temporarily, in June 2006 after 30 years of business.  At the time, its cl osure was described as one of the greatest corporate disasters in independent Kenya history  [13]  .  However, the government is one of the founders of Uchumi Ltd so letting Uchumi close down was not in their interest. So they had to sell 50% of the companys shares to the public in order to rescue the brand. Then Uchumi started reopening all over Nairobi from July 15, 2006. Uchumi receives more than 3000 customers daily. The government controls the quality and the pricing of the goods. All the goods in Uchumi are certified and approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standard (KBS). Uchumi used to have an annual magazine showing all the items they have in stock; but this stopped when it closed down. They use multiple ways of advertising like the radio, the television and the newspapers. They also have a smart-card. Only during Christmas, the stores are opened 24/7, this is because, they think that it is not effective in Kenya. They offer a home delivery service orderable from their web site and the charge depends on the distance of your location. Uchumi believes that what makes them attracts their customers is their customer service and also believe that their competitors havent reached that level. Uchumi own all their buildings. They have the option of paying electricity bills with a Kenya power counter; this attracts also the customers to enter the supermarket as they can avoid any congestion instead of going to the Kenya Power office. Chandarana Chandarana Supermarket Ltd is a retail chain in Kenya dealing with consumer products. It is currently headquartered at Mobil Plaza, Muthaiga in Nairobi. It has four Branches within Nairobi Yaya center, ABC Place, Muthaiga and Highridge. In this research, only the one located in the Yaya Center will be studied. I chose to include Chandarana in my study because when we first came to Kenya (my family and me), we bought from there everything belonging to the house there and even food supplies. Presentation of data collected To carry out the survey I gave out 38 questionnaires to first peoples living in the same compound as me then some people that I know in the surrounding houses and apartments. I know that I didnt meet my objective which was to give out 50 questionnaires as I mentioned in the METHODOLOGY OF DATA COLLECTION, but this was due to multiple reasons. I could only do the survey with people who knew me because other maybe didnt trust me (even though I showed them my school identification card and my recommendation letter) or felt like I was asking them questions about them private life. I gave to all of them a period of 3 weeks to review their habits and be able to answer without having to make hard choices. The reason why I gave them 3 weeks is because people tend not to say the truth when they are given 5 minutes to answer. With all this period of time, they can analyze every question and answer it with a calm and clear state of mind. As I said it earlier, I live near the YAYA Center in Kili mani. The YAYA CENTRE is a modern multifunctional shopping mall, it was founded in the late eighties in Nairobi and is today one of the leading shopping malls housing over 100 shops and offices  [14]  .The diagrams below shows the results of my investigation. Nakumatt Uchumi Tuskys Chandarana 27 2 6 3 71% 5% 16% 8% This table shows the repartition in numbers and in percentages of the consumers depending on the supermarkets they frequent the most. This pie chart has the same function as the table above it. This chart is easier to understand and shows the differences between the supermarkets in terms of popularity. But I believe it is a good representation of the whole population in my residential area. By the end of this research, I found out that 71% of the surveyed population was Nakumatt truthful customers, 5% of them were Uchumi customers, 16% of them were Tuskys customers, and 8% of them were Chandarana customers as shown on the table and the pie chart above. As we all know, in a monopoly market, we only have one firm, and that firm is the industry. If we refer to the pie chart and stick to the traditional definition of a monopoly, we cannot assume at 100% that Nakumatt is operating as a monopoly in my residential area, because we also have other different supermarkets operating in the same area. If we were to base our facts on the data from the investigation, we could say that the representation of the supermarkets in my residential area demonstrates that Nakumatt Ltd is the most dominant supermarket in Kilimani. And view to its relative size and number of customers, we could also say that it does have monopoly power in my residential area; because if we may say, it controls 71% of the population. Age Nakumatt Uchumi Tuskys Chandarana Total under 18 3 1 4 19-25 4 2 6 26-30 5 5 31-35 6 1 1 1 9 36-45 8 1 2 11 over 45 1 1 2 total 27 2 6 3 38 From this table, we can see that the age differentiation doesnt matter because these supermarkets are stocked in order to satisfy the whole of the population that can afford their items. This means that the age of the individuals will not be an obstacle for them meeting their wants as the supermarkets are prepared to satisfy anyone. I do not think that we should place a theory on a supermarket for being destined more for a specific age class. Conclusion Generally supermarkets in Kenya and all over the world belong to the Oligopoly market. This is because the supermarket industry I being run by a little amount of important brands. It might be confusing for saying that Nakumatt is a monopoly and later saying that it is not. This is because by studying how Nakumatt operates in the industry and how they interact with their customers and also their total market shares, we could post them in a position of a Monopoly. Although, even though they might have the characteristics of a monopoly, the presence of other firms (Uchumi, Tuskys and Chandarana) discredits the possibility of them being one. After doing all the necessary research, I came up with a conclusion which states that Nakumatt doesnt operate as a monopoly in my residential area, but in that oligopoly market, it has a monopoly power on customers, which makes them practically all choose Nakumatt.

Saving Birds From Extinction Environmental Sciences Essay

Saving Birds From Extinction Environmental Sciences Essay Now although the number and variety of birds that migrate has decreased over the last two decades, several foreign species continue to visit National Zoological Park during winters. Previously, almost 5,000 migratory birds spread across more than 10 species used to fly down to the Delhi Zoological Park. But now this number has fallen to an alarming 500-odd birds belonging to hardly five-six species. According to the Zoos curator several true migratory birds like Siberian crane, Brahminy duck, Mallard, Red-Crested Pochard and White Stork have not visited the Delhi zoo over the last few years. This decline is due to a number of reasons including atmospheric pollution, hunting by humans, lack of food, global warming etc. Local migratory birds also turn up at the Delhi Zoo, and this place becomes a treat to watch for bird lovers. October end and November are the months when the birds start arriving, and more birds are estimated to come by January and February. STATE WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE CHANGING STATE OF BIRDS: Since the year 1500, we have lost over 150 bird species an extinction rate far higher than the natural background. Today, one in eight bird species is threatened with global extinction, with 189 species Critically Endangered, and Red List assessments show that things are getting worse. Particularly alarming are sharp declines in many formerly common and widespread species. This is a signal of wider environmental problems, and of the erosion of biodiversity as a whole. Why birds are declining:irds are declining: Humans are responsible for the threats to birds. Expanding and intensifying agriculture and forestry destroy and degrade habitats. Inadequately managed fisheries, ever-spreading infrastructure, invasive alien species, pollution and overexploitation all pose serious problems. Climate change, with impacts already visible, may be the most serious threat of all. These threats have deeper causes, rooted in our failure to accord wild nature its true value. Sound environment: Over the past few decades, the worlds governments have endorsed many international agreements relevant to the conservation of biodiversity, demonstrating their willingness to cooperate in tackling important environmental issues. The challenge now is to harness this commitment and ensure that concrete actions are taken where they are most needed. In several countries, the engagement of civil society and indigenous peoples organisations has resulted in impressive progress. There are signs of increasing action in the private sector, too. Agriculture and forestry are the key drivers of habitat destruction of birds: In Africa, habitat clearance for agriculture and logging threatens 50% and 23% of Important Birds Areas (IBAs) respectively. In Europe, agricultural expansion and intensification are among the most serious threats affecting IBAs. Proportion of IBAs impacted by different classes of threats in Africa and Europe Analysis of data held in BirdLifes World Bird Database (2004) In Africa, habitat clearance for agriculture threatens over 50% of Important Bird Areas (IBAs), with degradation owing to shifting agriculture an additional pressure (Fishpool and Evans 2001). In Europe too, agricultural expansion and intensification are among the most serious threats affecting IBAs, with a high impact at 35% (Heath and Evans 2000). In Africa, selective logging or tree-cutting affects 23% of IBAs, with degradation owing to firewood collection (including charcoal production) and forest grazing being additional, often related pressures (these threats are of less importance in Europe where little old-growth forest remains). In Africa, ongoing or planned infrastructure development (including dam and road building) is a further key cause of habitat destruction, with 21% of IBAs affected. In Europe this is also a major factor affecting IBAs, with a high impact at 37% . The Effects of Oil on Wildlife: We have all seen pictures and videos of wildlife covered in black, sticky oil after an oil spill.   These pictures are usually of oiled birds.   Many people are not aware that it is not just birds that get oiled during a spill.   Other marine life such as marine mammals can also suffer from the effects of an oil spill.   Even small spills can severely affect marine wildlife. Not all oils are the same.   There are many different types of oil and this means that each oil spill is different depending on the type of oil spilt.   Each oil spill will have a different impact on wildlife and the surrounding environment depending on: the type of oil spilled, the location of the spill, the species of wildlife in the area, the timing of breeding cycles and seasonal migrations, and even the weather at sea during the oil spill. Oil affects wildlife by coating their bodies with a thick layer.   Many oils also become stickier over time (this is called weathering) and so adheres to wildlife even more.   Since most oil floats o nthe surface of the water it can effect many marine animals and sea birds.   Unfortunately, birds and marine mammals will not necessarily avoid an oil spill.   Some marine mammals, such as seals and dolphins, have been seen swimming and feeding in or near an oil spill.   Some fish are attracted to oil because it looks like floating food.   This endangers sea birds, which are attracted to schools of fish and may dive through oil slicks to get to the fish. Oil that sticks to fur or feathers, usually crude and bunker fuels, can cause many problems.   Some of these problems are: hypothermia in birds by reducing or destroying the insulation and waterproofing properties of their feathers; hypothermia in fur seal pups by reducing or destroying the insulation of their woolly fur (called lanugo).   Adult fur seals have blubber and would not suffer from hypothermia if oiled.   Dolphins and whales do not have fur, so oil will not easily stick to them; birds become easy prey, as their feathers being matted by oil make them less able to fly away; marine mammals such as fur seals become easy prey if oil sticks their flippers to their bodies, making it hard for them to escape predators; birds sink or drown because oiled feathers weigh more and their sticky feathers cannot trap enough air between them to keep them buoyant; fur seal pups drown if oil sticks their flippers to their bodiesk birds lose body weight as their metabolism tries to combat low body temperature; marine mammals lose body weight when they can not feed due to contamination of their environment by oil; birds become dehydrated and can starve as they give up or reduce drinking, diving and swimming to look for food; inflammation or infection in dugongs and difficulty eating due to oil sticking to the sensory hairs around their mouths; disguise of scent that seal pups and mothers rely on to identify each other, leading to rejection, abandonment and starvation of seal pups; and damage to the insides of animals and birds bodies, for example by causing ulcers or bleeding in their stomachs if they ingest the oil by accident. Oil does not have to be sticky to endanger wildlife.   Both sticky oils such as crude oil and bunker fuels, and non-sticky oils such as refined petroleum products can affect different wildlife.   Oils such as refined petroleum products do not last as long in the marine environment as crude or bunker fuel.   They are not likely to stick to a bird or animal, but they are much more poisonous than crude oil or bunker fuel.   While some of the following effects on sea birds, marine mammals and turtles can be caused by crude oil or bunker fuel, they are more commonly caused by refined oil products. Oil in the environment or oil that is ingested can cause: poisoning of wildlife higher up the food chain if they eat large amounts of other organisms that have taken oil into their tissues; interference with breeding by making the animal too ill to breed, interfering with breeding behaviour such as a bird sitting on their eggs, or by reducing the number of eggs a bird will lay; damage to the airways and lungs of marine mammals and turtles, congestion, pneumonia, emphysema and even death by breathing in droplets of oil, or oil fumes or gas; damage to a marine mammals or turtles eyes, which can cause ulcers, conjunctivitis and blindness, making it difficult for them to find food, and sometimes causing starvation; irritation or ulceration of skin, mouth or nasal cavities; damage to and suppression of a marine mammals immune system, sometimes causing secondary bacterial or fungal infections; damage to red blood cells; organ damage and failure such as a bird or marine mammals liver; damage to a birds adrenal tissue which interferes with a birds ability to maintain blood pressure, and concentration of fluid in its body; decrease in the thickness of egg shells; stress; damage to fish eggs, larvae and young fish; contamination of beaches where turtles breed causing contamination of eggs, adult turtles or newly hatched turtles; damage to estuaries, coral reefs, seagrass and mangrove habitats which are the breeding areas of many fish and crustaceans, interfering with their breeding; tainting of fish, crustaceans, molluscs and algae; interference with a baleen whales feeding system by tar-like oil, as this type of whale feeds by skimming the surface and filtering out the water; and poisoning of young through the mother, as a dolphin calf can absorb oil through its mothers milk.    Animals covered in oil at the beginning of a spill may be affected differently from animals encountering the oil later.   For example, early on, the oil maybe more poisonous, so the wildlife affected early will take in more of the poison.   The weather conditions can reduce or increase the potential for oil to cause damage to the environment and wildlife.   For example, warm seas and high winds will encourage lighter oils to form gases, and will reduce the amount of oil that stays in the water to affect marine life. The impact of an oil spill on wildlife is also affected by where spilled oil reaches.   For example, fur seal pups are affected more than adults by oil spills because pups swim in tidal pools and along rocky coasts, whereas the adults swim in open water where it is less likely for oil to linger.   Dugongs als feed on seagrass along the coast and therefore be more affected by oil spills. Different resources will be needed to combat an oil spill, depending on the number and type of wildlife that is affected.   Climate Change Linked To Migratory Bird Decrease: Biologists believe that climate change is affecting living things worldwide, and the latest evidence suggests that warmer winters may mean fewer migratory birds. New research shows that as winter temperatures have risen in central Europe, the number of migratory birds has dropped. Ultimately, this may also decrease the number of migratory bird species there. We predict that with increasing winter temperaturesthe number of long-distance migratory bird species should decline, say Nicole Lemoine and Katrin Boehning-Gaese of Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, in the April issue of Conservation Biology. The Earths surface temperature has increased by about a degree F since 1860, and is expected to increase by as much as 10 degrees F more over the next century. Already, climate change is affecting plants and animals in many parts of the world: for instance, plants in Europe have a longer growing season, a North American marmot has a shorter hibernation period, and some migratory birds in Europe are starting to breed earlier. Climate change could also affect the abundance and diversity of birds. The idea is that warmer winters could increase the survival of birds that live in an area year-round, which could give migratory birds more competition for resources such as food and nest sites when they return to breed in the spring and that in turn could decrease the total number of migratory birds as well as the number of species. To see if climate change affects the abundance and diversity of migratory birds, Lemoine and Boehning-Gaese analyzed existing bird census and climate data for the Lake Constance region of central Europe, which includes parts of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The researchers determined the number of land bird species and the abundance of each species during two recent census periods (1980-81 and 1990-92). The researchers considered 300 species of land birds and divided them into three categories: residents, short-distance migrants (those that migrate an average of roughly 600 to 1,200 miles) and long-distance migrants (those that migrate more than 2,200 miles). There were 122, 80 and 108 species in each category, respectively. While climate change did not affect resident or short-distance migratory birds, Lemoine and Boehning-Gaese found that it did affect the long-distance migrants. Between the two census periods, winters got warmer and the abundance of long-distant migrants decreased. Specifically, the average temperature of the coldest month increased more than four degrees F, and the abundance of long-distance migratory birds decreased by a fifth. Ultimately, warmer winters will probably also decrease the number of long-distance migratory bird species in Central Europe, say the researchers. In addition, the birds migratory behavior will probably evolve. The migratory behavior of bird populations can change in only a few generations, and several populations of wrens, skylarks and other short-distance migrants have stopped migrating in the last 20 years. Migrating Birds Cant Control Themselves: During the spring and fall migratory seasons, sparrows become significantly less capable of resisting temptation. Researchers writing in the open access journal  BMC Neuroscience  investigated impulse control and sleep in white-crowned sparrows during migratory and non-migratory seasons. During migratory periods, the birds slept very little and became more impulsive, but sleep loss itself was not entirely to blame for their impulsivity. University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers studied the effects of migratory status and sleep deprivation on the ability of a group of sparrows to master the urge to peck at a food-giving button. According to study director Ruth Benca, In the wild, despite marked reductions in apparent opportunity to sleep, birds continue to successfully engage in prolonged flight, complex navigation and predator evasion during migration. In the laboratory, weve previously found that birds in the migratory state can learn to peck at a switch for food as well as birds during non-migratory periods. In contrast, in this study we demonstrate that, relative to birds in the non-migratory state, they struggle to learn when not to peck. This apparent hyperactivity during the migratory period may be linked to the fact that the migrating birds sleep periods become divorced from the light/dark cycle they follow during the non-migratory seasons of Summer and Winter; separate experiments showed that sleep deprivation alone does not cause this loss of control. Short sleep duration in the summer is also not associated with increased impulsivity. According to Benca, It is conceivable that the temporal fragmentation of migratory sleep plays a role in the migration-specific loss of behavioral inhibition. Whether the inability to inhibit pecking is related to a general failure of inhibition, a distorted sense of time, inattention to salient cues, or some other underlying mechanism is not entirely clear. How to Prevent Illness in  Birds: Reducing the Risk of Illness in Pet  Birds While it can be difficult to think about, the reality of bird ownership is that there are many things that can adversely affect a birds health in our homes, in the air, and even within the safety of your birds own cage. Reducing the risk of illness as much as possible is a necessity for the majority of bird owners, and can be done by working to eliminate the major risk factors in your birds environment. Pay close attention to the information below to help your bird ward off some of the most common illnesses that affect birds in captivity. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Practice good hygiene. Practicing good  hygiene  around your bird can go a long way toward preventing the onset of illness in your pet. In addition to washing your hands both before and after you handle your feathered friend, you should also take time to make sure that your birds toys, dishes, and other cage accessories are cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. Practice good cage-cleaning techniques by changing the liner at least once a day, and doing a deep, thorough scrubbing weekly. Taking these sorts of steps will help reduce the your birds risk of being exposed to viruses and bacteria that may find their ways into your pets living space. Solution: In BriefHuman history has followed a pattern-which began in Africa but is now global in scope-of exploiting nature and depleting resources. As we have expanded our influence over the world, we have also extinguished species and populations at an alarming rate. Despite attempts to reduce biodiversity loss, the trend is likely to continue: nearly 20% of all humans-more than a billion-now live within biodiversity hotspots, and their growth rate is faster than the population at large. This article presents nine steps to reduce biodiversity loss, with a goal of categorizing human-caused extinctions as wrongs, such as the slave trade and child labor, that are unacceptable to society. These steps include developing a system of parks that highlight the planets biological legacy, much as historical landmarks celebrate human history. Legal prohibitions that are fairly and capably enforced will also be essential in protecting rare and declining species. Biodiversity endowments-from national gov ernments, nongovernmental organizations, and private enterprises-can help support parks and native species in perpetuity. Like a good sports team, conservationists need to defend extant wilderness areas, but they also need to play offense by restoring ecosystems, reclaiming keystone and umbrella species, and making human landscapes more hospitable to biodiversity. In the long run, the most effective forms of conservation will be those that engage local stakeholders; the cultivation of sustainable ecosystems and their services must be promoted along with conservation of endangered species and populations. The emerging field of ecological economics can unite these goals by revealing the connections between human well-being and conservation. Key Concepts Extinction is likely to be one of our longest-lasting legacies. To address this crisis, we will need landscape-level management of wilderness and human-impacted areas, community involvement, legislation, economic incentives, bioliteracy, unified conservation science, and attention to the prime drivers of extinction: growth of the human population and its aggregate consumption. The new field of ecological economics, which synthesizes human activities and natural processes, can quantify the costs and benefits of biodiversity protection. We need a social transformation, through education and ecological literacy, to make human-caused extinction a thing of the past, like the slave trade, apartheid, and the Iron Curtain. In 2008, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in the UK announced a final call to find the slender-billed curlew, a one-time resident of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, last seen in 1999. Meanwhile, scientists in Australia pronounced the white lemuroid possum extinct; a native of mountain forests in Queensland, the possum was the first mammalian extinction blamed exclusively on global warming.. Two critically endangered frog species were declared extinct, despite their protection by a Costa Rican national park. More than 140 species of mammals, 24 birds, 6 reptiles, and 5 amphibians deteriorated in conservation status, moving from lower to higher risk categories of concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the global authority on the conservation status of the worlds animals and plants.1  Only 37 mammals improved during this period, along with two birds and one amphibian. Unfortunately, the year 2008 was not exceptional in these respects. The biodiversity crisis is by now as well known as it is tragic. The species extinction rate is of great concern. At least 76 mammal species are known to have gone extinct since 1500, with several others on the verge.2  The baiji, a freshwater dolphin of the Yangtze, will almost certainly join the list soon. The Scimitar-horned oryx and Pere Davids deer now probably exist only in captivity. Marine mammals are in severe danger, especially in northern oceans. Things are even worse for other, less celebrated, taxa. More than 70% of North Americas freshwater mussel species are on the edge of extinction.3  Since the Polynesians first arrived on Hawaii 1,600 years ago, more than 70% of the islands native birds have disappeared.4  Since 1850, the extinction rate for the worlds birds has been about 100 times higher than the background rate in the fossil record. More than 10% of all bird species remain threatened. Seabi rds have been in special jeopardy-rats took out many island colonies, and about 130 of the 450 remaining species are threatened with extinction-but forest birds arent faring much better. If deforestation continues at the present pace, so many birds may disappear that their extinction rate will increase by more than an order of magnitude by the end of the century.5 The problem is much bigger than species loss. The diversity of life spans many levels, from strands of DNA within an individual to entire ecosystems comprising billions of organisms and thousands of species. Extinction occurs adaptation by adaptation, population by population, habitat by habitat. The disappearance of a population is often a prelude to species extinction,6  but species can lose their ecological relevance long before they go extinct, as their numbers dwindle and they no longer remain key players in the system. Many extant species are now absent from more than half of their historic ranges. As organisms disappear, we lose our natural capital-the ecological goods and services that enrich and sustain our lives. That deforestation and overgrazing can lead to erosion and desertification is as obvious as the Sahel, but other connections-such as the rise of malaria and hemorrhagic fevers in disturbed lands-are becoming more apparent as our ecological footprints and understa nding of diseases expand. There is a growing recognition that our natural heritage is at risk, irreplaceable, and central to our well-being. There are potential remedies for these problems, but they will take effort and determination. The financial crisis made front-page news every day in early 2009. The global extinction crisis barely was mentioned. Yet economic recessions are a blip in history, whereas the effects of runaway extinction will linger for millions of years. Paleontologists have identified long lags in the evolution of new organisms following major extinction events, largely because diversity begets diversity. Extinction chips away at the genetic and ecological engines of speciation. With fewer genetic lineages, there is a reduction in the raw material of evolution: variation in DNA. A reduction in ecosystems and unique niches means fewer opportunities for new organisms to evolve. The drop in the number of species, genera, and families on the planet is likely to be a long-lasting legacy of human activities. We will be poorer without a rich store of biodiversity-in spirit, in health, and even in our pocketboo ks. Here are nine tactics that could help moderate human-caused extinctions. Most of these suggestions have been made before, repeatedly, but they warrant our continued and ever-more-urgent attention. Landscape 1. Biodiversity Parks Many countries have national parks that feature special landscapes and geological formations: the volcanic caldera of Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Mount Kilimanjaro. In addition to these traditional and essential parks, there is a need to protect a carefully designed network of reserves on each continent and in every ocean. This global series, or archipelago, of biological refuges-biodiversity parks-will preserve key features of the Earths biological legacy inherited from the evolutionary past into the future. Such parks, in effect, would celebrate and honor the evolutionary heritage reflected in biological diversity, just as traditional national parks and monuments preserve special geological features or honor important historical events in human affairs. Rather than merely constructing museums that memorialize biocide, biodiversity parks would offer explicit protection for endangered species and evolutionarily distinctive ecosystems. The task is not as insurmountable as it might appear. By preserving and endowing just 25 biodiversity hotspots (less than two percent of the earths land area) we could help protect 44% of vascular plant species and 35% of all species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians for $500 million a year7-less than 0.1% of the funds allocated to the United States Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to bail out incompetent financial institutions. One difficulty with many current park systems is that reserves often tend to be on residual lands that are not very valuable for resource extraction or human subsistence. A study of new reserves in Australia showed that they were typically gazetted on steep and infertile public lands, areas least in need of protection.8  Without proper planning, ad hoc reserves can be ineffective, often occupying less productive land, making the goal of protecting biodiversity more expensive and less likely to succeed. Well-placed networks of sanctuaries, designed with an awareness of ongoing climate disruption and the unique biotic facets of the sites, can help shepherd many species through the extinction crisis. In discussing parks, we often think of landscapes, but the biodiversity crisis affects aquatic systems as well. Protection of the oceans requires safeguards against overfishing and networks of marine reserves that include rich nearshore habitats (such as coral reefs and upwellings) as well as deep-sea vents and abyssal plains. As on land, these protected areas should range from strict nature reserves where fishing and extraction are forbidden to seascapes that are managed for their cultural and ecological value. Areas that are open to exploitation should be managed sustainably to meet the long-term resource needs of local communities, while providing natural services such as recreational opportunities and water purification.9 2. Ecologically Reclaimed and Restored Habitats Humans need to play conservation offense as well as defense. Beyond the immediate concern with the loss of a particular population, species, or ecosystem, a focus on long-term recovery and biological revival is also essential. Scientific research can inform the restoration of local habitats and help renaturalize entire ecosystems by uniting scattered fragments. In Costa Rica, scientists, businesspeople, politicians, and the local community helped regenerate 700 square kilometers of a tropical forest system-an area assaulted by ranching, hunting, logging, and fires for almost 400 years. They purchased large tracts of land, stopped the farming and fires, and let nature take back its original terrain.10  Restoration relying on successional recovery is not always so predictable, however. The reintroduction of fire to sand barren prairies that had been overgrown with willow was not enough to restore the prairie. The woody vegetation was resistant to the fire regime.11  For that reason, restoration ecologists are often needed to ensure the recovery of degraded lands.12  Thousands of species have been eradicated or imperiled by the construction of ill-conceived dams throughout the world. It is too late for the many freshwater mussels and fish that have gone extinct, but for others the damage still can be reversed. The removal of the Edwards Dam from the Kennebec River in Maine restored large numbers of eels, sturgeon, and striped bass to upstream habitats, where they had been absent for more than 150 years. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service funds competitive grants for private stewardship of lands, with an emphasis on endangered species habitat. Dozens of federal grants support restoration projects such as prairie streams for the Topeka shiner in Iowa, aquatic systems for Arctic grayling in Montana, grasslands for a threatened milk-vetch and other plant species in Oregon, and habitat for sage grouse in Colorado.13 The reintroduction of individual species can play an important role in rewilding parks and their surrounding ecosystems. Large animals are especially prone to extinction, yet they are often key to ecological dynamics. The return of a megafaunal species to its historic range can yield many benefits: undo a population extinction, make habitats more interesting and exciting for locals and visitors, and restore ecological interactions (often with positive system-wide consequences). There have been several successful examples of repatriation, though far from enough. Bald eagles now nest in every state in the continental U.S., and populations have increased by more than an order of magnitude since their lows in the 1960s. Przewalskis wild horse has been reclassified from Extinct in the Wild to Critically Endangered, with more than 300 free-ranging individuals now roaming Mongolia. After several decades of absence from the park, gray wolves released by the Yellowstone Wolf Recovery Team in 1995 produced some surprising changes: survivorship of pronghorn fawns increased fourfold, as coyote densities declined where wolves were present;14  streamside vegetation returned as elk browsing declined; and tourists flocked to the region, spawning a new type of ecotourism-wolf watching-now a $35 million a year industry.15 Some have argued that one way to restore ecological interactions that were lost with the extinction of the Pleistocene megafauna would be to introduce analogs, or modern counterparts, from elsewhere. For example, bringing Asian elephants to North America might provide seed dispersers for certain plants that co-evolved with mastodons.16  There is no scientific or ethical consensus about the wisdom of such expensive and transformative action. Yet the possibility that genetic engineers might one day be able to bring extinct megafauna such woolly mammoths to life from frozen ancient DNA17  should prompt us to consider whether, if such efforts are successful, mammoths are something worth restoring to landscapes that have not seen them in 11,000 years. Community 3. The Fabric of Local Communities As scholars, biologists mostly observe. They build models, experiment, and-on good days-make new empirical or conceptual connections: the effects of pesticides on egg development, the role of disease in amphibian declines, or the effects of biodiversity on ecosystem function. Such studies take place on the modest spatial scale of a Petri dish, a common garden, or perhaps a local landscape, and at the modest temporal scale of a few years. To ameliorate the extinction crisis, though, science must move beyond such focused analyses-i

Planning Patient Care Essay -- Nursing Essays

Introduction: According to The Department of Health (2009) care planning is essentially about addressing an individual’s full range of needs. It takes into account their personal, social, economic, educational, cultural and mental health needs. After initially discussing this assignment with John (patient) and the Clinical Nurse Manager both parties agreed that the author could proceed. All information will be kept confidential and no names will appear on this assignment that could be traced back to the client or hospital. As a student nurse this will comply with the guidelines set out by An Bord Altranais (2009). All nurses should be able to account for the care they give, why they give the care and also an evaluation of the care they have given. Barett et al (2009) maintain that this is a core part of care planning.The Department of Health and Children (2001) has shown its commitment to organising care plans and the importance of them as was evident in the 'Primary Care A new Direction' health strategy.This identified the importance of discharge planning and and the development of individualised care plans following discharge. This assignment will cover a full assessment of a person whose care the author has managed in the clinical setting. Based on this assessment the author will compile a care plan focusing on two key nursing diagnoses derived from the nursing assessment. The author will list all nursing diagnosis related to this patient and give a rationale for each. John Reynolds is a 56 year old gentleman admitted to the ward through the emergency department. He fell off a ladder at home whilst cleaning his chimney. He fell approximately 8-10 feet onto concrete. He had sudden pain to his left leg and this remained the... ...tein, G. and Stubhaug, A. (2008). Assessment of pain. British Journal of Anaesthesia. 101 (1), pp 17-24. Gulanick, M. and Myres, J. L. (2007) Nursing Care Plans. Nursing diagnosis and interventions (6th Edition). London: Mosby Elsvier. Pudner, R. (2000) Nursing the Surgical Patient. Edinburgh: Bailiere Tindall. Schatzker, J. and Tile, M. (2005) The Rationale of Operative Fracture Care (3rd Edition).New York: Springer. Manley, K. and Bellman, L. (2000) Surgical Nursing. Advance practice. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. Ackley, B. J. and Ladwig, G. B. (2010) Nursing Diagnosis Handbook. An evidence based guide to planning care (9th Edition). Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier. An Bord Altranais (2007) Guidance to Nurses and Midwives on Medication Management. (http://www.nursingboard.ie/en/policies-guidelines.aspx) (accessed 15th October, 2011) (Internet).